Insh Marshes

Address

Insh Marshes RSPB Reserve, Insh Marshes, Kingussie PH21 1NT

Grid ref

NN775998

The Insh Marshes covers 10 square kilometres of the River Spey floodplain between Kingussie and Kincraig in Badenoch and Strathspey. It is said to be one of the most important wetland areas in Europe, supporting populations of breeding waders including curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe.

Plan your visit

Opening times

Open at all times.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members

Yes

Adults

Free, but donations are very welcome.

Children

Free, but donations are very welcome.

Facilities

No visitor centre

Car park

Toilets off-site

Accessible toilets off-site

No Refreshments

Picnic area

Guided walks

Viewing point

Nature trails

Shop off-site

Educational facilities

Accessibility

How to get here

By train

Kingussie station is a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) walk away.

By bus

The nearest bus stop is in Kingussie, a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) walk away.

By bike

This reserve is on Route 7 of the National Cycle Network.

By road

From A9, take exit to Kingussie. Follow B970 south from village towards, and then beyond, Ruthven Barracks. Reserve entrance is 1 km to the east of the barracks.

From Aviemore, take the B9152 south-west to Kincraig. There are opportunities to see ospreys in spring and summer on Loch Insh from Kincraig. Join the B970 and head south-west towards Insh village and Kingussie. The reserve entrance is 3.2 miles (5 km) south-west of Insh village and 0.6 mile (1 km) to the east of Ruthven Barracks.

Arrival of winter migrants including whooper swans and greylag geese from Iceland. Wintering ducks such as wigeon and tufted duck. Hen harriers gather to roost.

About Insh Marshes

Habitat

Insh Marshes is a reserve mainly comprised of woodland and marshland habitats.

Conservation

Fitter floodplain - The historical attempt to drain some of Insh Marshes and the decline of grazing in the area had allowed the open floodplain habitat to deteriorate, with too much encroaching willow scrub and rank grassland. We now lightly mow the floodplain, and work closely with local farmers to restore grazing by sheep, cattle and ponies. We are also removing some areas of willow scrub. Our work will benefit breeding waders and wildfowl, wintering hen harriers and whooper swans, and the rare plant communities the occur at Insh Marshes.

Other habitats - We are encouraging the natural regeneration of our semi-natural woodland, including its nationally important aspen stands. This will benefit diverse fauna and flora, including important invertebrate communities. Meanwhile, we are removing exotic conifers from Loch Insh Wood and lightly grazing our flower rich meadow at Invertromie.

Site information

This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.